Brussels, 14 May 2025. In the framework of the SHARED GREEN DEAL project, the Environment & Climate Hub hosted the SHARED GREEN DEAL Network Strategy Co-Creation Workshop, a successful event advancing participatory approaches to European Green Deal goals. The event brought together project partners, key stakeholders, and European Commission representatives to shape a new dynamic, multi-stakeholder and interdisciplinary network, built on the project’s experience in bridging social science insights and real-world environmental action.The SHARED GREEN DEAL project (2022–2027), funded by the EU Horizon 2020 programme and led by Anglia Ruskin University, gathers 22 partners across Europe to develop people-centred solutions supporting six Green Deal policy areas. ALDA plays a central role in building a dynamic transnational network, fostering cooperation among researchers, civil society, local authorities, and other key actors. This project represents one of the Hub’s flagship initiatives, thanks to its strategic role in the creation and coordination of the Network, which is expected to continue beyond the project’s end in 2027. The Brussels workshop marked a major step forward in this effort, focusing on co-creating a shared vision and strategic direction for the network.
The SHARED GREEN DEAL Network aims to be a strategic tool to connect local social innovation with European ambition for the just green transition.
Key speakers included Valeria Fantini, Environment & Climate Hub Coordinator, who facilitated the workshop together with Prof. Rosie Robison and Prof. Chris Foulds from Anglia Ruskin University, coordinator of the SGD project.
The morning was dedicated to a participatory co-creation process with project partners and a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from NGOs, youth organisations, local authorities, and European-level networks. The workshop was an intense and enriching exchange, where participants brought their expertise and on-the-ground experience into the discussion, offering useful and insightful input which will feed the Network strategy and next steps.
Key takeaways from the workshop included an insightful revision of the Network Mission Statement: what emerged is a more grassroots-oriented mission for the network, and a “network of networks” idea, integrating existing alliances to maximise impact. A call for commitment to inclusivity and citizen engagement was particularly raised, especially in reaching marginalised communities. To this aim, accessible and tailored communication is key, translating academic insights into clear and practical messages. Significant interest emerged in exploring how the network could also serve as a collective advocacy platform, amplifying voices at both local and EU levels. The second part of the workshop, a World Café discussion, addressed planned network activities, exploring potential opportunities, synergies, and future collaborations.
The outcome of the workshop was a shared and enriched understanding of the network’s added value: fostering social innovation, enabling collaboration, and linking evidence-based research to policy and practice.
In the afternoon, SHARED GREEN DEAL partners convened a roundtable with European Commission representatives to present the project’s vision and seek the Network’s alignment with EU policy priorities. This dialogue offered valuable insights: the EC is increasingly focused on scaling cost-effective and citizen-supported solutions that demonstrate measurable impact. There is a shift in the EU narrative, from Green Deal to a green transition that also champions competitiveness and industrial transformation. Local and regional actors are seen as crucial enablers of the Green Deal, with cities at the frontline of citizen engagement. The Commission emphasised the need for concrete outputs that can guide future policies and direct EU funding programmes. Notably, the SHARED GREEN DEAL Network aligns with key EU policy trends and funding cycles, offering a strategic window to shape long-term impact.
The SHARED GREEN DEAL Network aims to be a strategic tool to connect local social innovation with European ambition for the just green transition. The Brussels event marked a critical step in shaping its direction. Through ALDA Hub’s coordination and the collective effort of all participants, the network is growing into a lasting space for collaborative, inclusive, and impactful environmental action across Europe.
ALDA is now working to further structure the Network ahead of its official Launch event in January 2026. Stay tuned as we continue building momentum towards a truly shared and effective Network!
